From 1999-2001 I must have purchased 50 items from Ebay, sold about a dozen items all using paypal, and the internet, and all without issue. Problem is today online scams are getting so slick that you are more likely to get taken then ever before. In 2002 I closed my Ebay and paypal accounts and now only do business locally-in person, because I felt at the time-and still do that it is not worth the risks. You must realize that Ebay, and Paypal are set up in such a way that either buyers, or sellers take the hit for faudulent transactions. You should go into each transaction with the realization that it is 50/50 whether or not you will be taken, and there is no recourse.